Falcons To Sign WR/KR Jamal Agnew

The Falcons are signing wide receiver and returner Jamal Agnew, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

The seven-year veteran spent the 2024 season on the Steelers’ practice squad, but did not appear in any games. In Atlanta, he will compete for a roster spot as a primary returner and rotational receiver who can operate on the outside or out of the slot.

Agnew was a cornerback and returner at the University of San Diego before he was drafted by the Lions in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He began cross-training as a wide receiver while thriving on special teams in his rookie year. He forced three fumbles and led the league as a punt returner with two touchdowns and 15.4 yards per return, earning him recognition as a first-team All-Pro and a member of the PFWA’s All-Rookie team. He also appeared in three games on defense while taking a handful of snaps on offense.

Agnew continued a similar role in 2018 and 2019 before completing his transition to wide receiver in 2020, catching 13 of his 20 targets for 89 yards. He maintained his role as a returner with a 19% snap share on offense, but was not re-signed before hitting free agency in 2021.

Awaiting him was a three-year, $14.25MM deal in Jacksonville, where Agnew took over returning duties and recorded career-highs as a receiver. His role on offense decreased in 2022 and 2023, but he remained the Jaguars’ primary returner. A broken leg late in the 2023 season limited his interest in free agency during the following offseason. Agnew remained unsigned until November, when he joined the Steelers’ practice squad.